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Hi Definition

CABLE ISSUES FOR HDTV

Straight Wire has been producing high quality, custom-made audio/video cables for over 20 years. We have and will continue to work closely with many of the multi-national and specialty audio/video component manufacturers to develop cables for all HDTV consumer applications. Since the “Grand Alliance” in the mid 90’s, we have seen many format changes leading towards “plug and play” compatibility between HDTV capable components. The industry is moving closer to “plug and play” standards yet many people have acquired High-Definition compatible/ capable components utilizing many different video connection options over the past few years.

Component Video (RCA or BNC plugs), VGA (RGBHD-15), RGBHV, i-Link, IEEE 1394, DVI and HDMI ??? You need a chart to keep track of all the HDTV video connection alternatives! Straight Wire offers standard and custom length cable solutions to enable HDTV playback systems to perform their best. What is the best? It depends on your equipment capabilities. If your HD capable Big Screen TV has a VGA (RGBHD-15) input and no DVI or HDMI inputs, that will probably be the best for your system. If your HD set top box has component video output, which may be the best format for you until you get a new unit. Today, cable TV set top boxes by Motorola & Scientific Atlanta offer built in DVRs and various outputs. Be sure these are compatible with your current system before ordering or buying. Remember, placing the set top box close to your video monitor (if possible) will usually offer a better picture than running long cables.

When a TV manufacturer designs a new monitor, plasma, projector… the video designer usually “dials-in” one input as the best. For earlier sets this was S-Video, then Component Video and VGA. Now they are focusing on DVI, HDMI and “M” format (found on many projectors for use with computer sources). This information is frequently known by Home Theater Specialist dealers and integrators through direct contact with the manufacturer and their experience.

Calibration and installation specialists such as trained ISF dealers can help you get the best performance out of your system via their knowledge and by tweaking / adjusting your system. Video Essentials and Digital Video Essentials tools from Joe Kane Productions should also be considered to get the best video performance from your system(s). When you have the choice of more than one High-Definition input (or output) you should consult a trained consultant/technician to get the best picture.

Premium cables utilizing advanced insulations and conductors, especially for analog HD signals, can offer a better picture than standard cables. Straight Wire has been providing premium demonstration cables for many years to leading video manufacturers including Runco, Faroujda, In-Focus, Sony, Sharp, Panasonic and many more. Consider factors such as source quality, length, quality of screen for projectors and ambient / room light to help determine what level of cable will offer you cost-effective performance.

It is interesting to note that premium and professional video manufacturers such as Runco and many others offer BNC connections on their equipment. These connections lock into correct position and maintain the 75-ohm impedance (standard for most analog video signals) of the cable while RCA plugs and jacks do not. All RCA plugs have a standard center pin and flange size that typically have an impedance of 50-55 ohms (based upon type of insulation). Some manufacturers make RCA plugs with impedance near 100 ohms in the back so that the overall plug measures near 75 ohms! This is analogous to running half a race at 100 mph and the balance at 50 mph and claiming it’s the same as running the whole race at 75 mph. Some manufacturers have introduced non-symmetrical RCA flanges to achieve a 75-ohm impedance measurement and these designs may also be subject to impedance variations. Be sure the BNC plugs and jacks are 75-ohm design and not the 50-ohm format.

HDTV “over the air” analog signals are received by antennas and frequently travel through long runs of coaxial cable before reaching a set top box. Conventional low-cost RG-6 with modest insulation quality and possible impedance fluctuations (based upon insulation diameter fluctuations and foaming variations) may not deliver the best signal. Just because a cable has been tested at 3 GHz (current standard in 2005) doesn’t guarantee it is performing well at lower frequencies. That is like testing a loudspeaker for signal attenuation at 17,000Hz and assuming it will handle all signals from 40Hz –17,000Hz well. Certain insulations may have attenuations over frequency pockets critical for full HD performance. Avoid using adaptors and “daisy-chaining” analog cables in your system. Each extra connection can alter or degrade your HD signal.

The HDTV experience is greatly diminished without great audio. Consider investing in high quality digital audio, multi-channel audio (DVD/SACD) and upgrade speaker cables that are commensurate with the performance capabilities of your system. The cable is a component because the system will not function without it. Using basic cables allows your system to merely function while high quality cables enable your system to perform.

DVI (Digital Video Interface) with HDCP encoding was a breakthrough development for HDTV video quality. Unfortunately, DVI-Digital signals cannot be played on many of the HDTV sets sold over the past 5 years. Fortunately, the industry is developing many new affordable HD-Set Top Boxes (STB), which should enable these TVs to perform to their maximum potential. Some HDTV sets have IEEE1394 (Firewire) connections with Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP). More recently HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) has been introduced allowing the transmission of high quality audio and control function on a one-wire format. It offers more bandwidth, smaller connector size and other benefits that make it the leading contender as the “plug and play” standard.



Some well-known video manufacturers have stayed with DVI over HDMI due to minor issues such as possible crosstalk between video and other signals, non-locking connector format and tolerance issues pertaining to stamped vs. die-cast connectors. Look for DVI or HDMI cables with 24 gauge conductors for lengths over 20 feet (6 meters). Silver-plated 24 gauge conductors are the high quality standard for most HDMI cables over 30 feet up to 60 feet. For lengths over 60 feet consider optical format cables that are capable of accurately transmitting 1080p signals or high quality powered (not passive) devices to ensure accurate impedance and signal levels. .

In conclusion, Straight Wire endorses the “plug and play” concept. At the present time, there is no singular cable solution for all of the HDTV consumer applications. We provide all forms of high quality and custom-made HDTV cables and, more importantly, technical expertise and advice, to help you achieve all the performance and enjoyment you can experience from HDTV.